Fitbit says 'external forces' caused the damage to Flex 2

Fitbit says that its investigation into claims by a Wisconsin woman that the company’s Flex 2 fitness tracker exploded on her wrist has concluded the device did not malfunction.

The woman, Dina Mitchell, reportedly had second-degree burns.

“We were greatly concerned by Ms. Mitchell’s report and took swift action to understand the situation,” Fitbit said in a statement. “Based on our initial investigation, including testing of her device by a leading third-party failure analysis firm, we have concluded that Ms. Mitchell’s Fitbit Flex 2 did not malfunction. The testing shows that external forces caused the damage to the device.”

Fitbit would not elaborate on just what those “external forces” were but added that it has not received any other similar complaints.

Mitchell told a TV station that she had been reading when “the bracelet melted and I got pieces of plastic burned into my arm... I'm going to have a scar from this probably. Can you imagine what it would do to a child?”

Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin had confirmed to USA TODAY that Mitchell was treated at one of its urgent care facilities.

Fitbit reiterated assurances that consumers can continue to use the Flex 2, a swim-proof band that came out in the fall and costs $99.95, and all other Fitbit products “with confidence.”